Hundreds of activists lined the streets of Waitsfield, Vermont, with pro-Ukraine signs during Vice President JD Vance’s family trip, just days after a heated exchange between Vance, President Trump, and President Zelensky. The tensions escalated at an Oval Office meeting where Vance accused Zelensky of disrespecting the U.S., while Trump urged the Ukrainian leader to negotiate with Russia or risk losing American support.
The protest in Vermont was organized prior to the clash but gained momentum in the wake of the public dispute, signaling a growing unrest among those who see the Trump-Vance administration's stance as detrimental to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. "Friday's performance at the White House has probably galvanised even more people to come out today," said Judy Daly, a member of the Indivisible Mad River Valley organization.
In New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, more protesters took to the streets to rally in support of Ukraine, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy. Amid the protests, Vermont's Governor Phil Scott called for civility, acknowledging the Vance family's weekend getaway and encouraging locals to uphold a respectful atmosphere.
While Vance's family opted for an undisclosed location, counter-protests in support of Trump and Vance reportedly took place, creating a tense atmosphere. Notably, a gathering of demonstrators also organized outside Tesla stores to protest Elon Musk’s efforts to trim government spending.
The day following the raucous Oval Office meeting, Zelensky traveled to the UK for discussions with European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, seeking to bolster support against Russia’s aggression. Addressing Vance's outburst, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed discomfort and emphasized the need for cooperative dialogue moving forward.
As protests continue to unfold across the U.S., the impact of the fierce exchange at the White House remains a focal point for both supporters and critics of the current administration’s foreign policy.
